Procedure for removing aluminum from an Al-Al3 Ni two-phase matrix

Abstract

An electrolytic process for removing aluminum from a solid two-phase matrix of aluminum and trialuminum nickelide filaments by passing an electric current between an inert anode, a cathode composed of the matrix while both are immersed in an aluminum halide containing molten salt electrolyte.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electrolytic process for separating aluminum from a solid, two-phase matrix of aluminum and trialuminum nickelide filaments which comprises the steps of passing an electric current between (1) a cathode composed of an inert material and (2) an anode composed of a two phase matrix of aluminum and tri-aluminum nickelide filaments while (3) both anode and cathode are immersed in an anhydrous aluminum halide containing molten salt electrolyte to effectively remove said aluminum from said matrix without adversely affecting said trialuminum nickelide filaments. 
     
     
       2. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrolyte is composed of a material having the formula AlX 3 .MY wherein X and Y are similar or dissimilar and selected from the group consisting of chlorine bromine and iodine; M is a material selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and tetrasubstituted ammonium compounds. 
     
     
       3. A process in accordance with claim 2 wherein said electrolyte is an equimolar mixture of aluminum chloride and sodium chloride. 
     
     
       4. A process in accordance with claim 2 wherein said electrolyte is a 2:1 molar ratio of aluminum chloride and ethylpyridinium.